chrome

So, recently put my scoob back to standard, (was 340bhp+) and am gutted.

Decided its time to go sensible and I need something to lug family crap about
I dont want a ford/vauxhall/peugeot/renault if at all possible.

Been looking at older BMW's and Audi's.. even 850-R's have had a look in Ideally budget is around 8K max.

So; my BMW questions are these:

• how do I tell what MY a bmw is? example: T reg = E39? can someone please explain it to me?
• Is a 535i or 540i worth it? Or am I best to stick looking at 525/528's?
• Is auto a must on a 5 series to retain value?
• Is it safe to assume on the larger engines that as long as FBMWSH then high miles (100k+) is ok?
• any thing I have misssed that I must check when looking?

Thanks guys

chrome

bttt



help?

falkster

Best thing to do mate is have a look on here and see what these guys have to say about which is best model and what to look for.
E39 is the shape before the brand new one, which was made from around '96 to '02 and theres plenty of models to choose from. Prolly best going for 528 upwards

http://www.bmwcarclubforum.co.uk/for...ics.asp?FID=48

Patt@firstime

Yes a 5 series needs to be an auto IMO

I had an E36 328i and engine wasn't exactly very fast, nice and smooth though (IIRC they're 192bhp) put it in a '5' and I think you may get annoyed with it - I'd defo go for either the 535 or 540 - check the mpg on the 540 though. I looked at one a while ago and checked what the computer was saying it did and I looked no further - at the time I was doing loads of miles but non motorway so would have been aweful.

HTH

Matt

RAJ27

I have a E39 (2000) 530I sport. Bit beyond your budget, but not loads away from it. You maybe be able to get a 525i sport or 528i sport for you budget. Very nice cars, good example of big car depreciation; lots of toys for not a not of cash. 100k + ok if with a FBMWsh. Also the 2.8i engine had Nikasil issues, where there have been many replacements through BMW warranties.

Have a look at

www.pistonheads.co.uk

and for advice

www.bmwtalker.co.uk

Let us know if you have any questions.

Dunk

iTrader: (1)

I've got an E39 528i as a weekday motorway crusier (I do 150 miles a day). I didn't want an auto, but it came up at the right price & now I've learnt to shift it manually it's fine & returns 28 mpg easily. If you're going to buy a sofa to waft around in, get a comfy one that's an auto.
D
Here's my E39........

eldudereno

If you're going to get a 5 series, get at least a 528...if I was going to get another one myself I would go for the manual box, better mpg too.

Oh yes, the model you'll be getting is the one before the present model, the E39, just like Dunks car above...the E39 was introduced in '96 and was replaced in '03.

chrome

nice dunk

cheers for all the advice...

still have a nagging worry about high milers.

eldudereno

Don't discount the 530d either, it's got a great engine which has mountains of torque and can be chipped later on to 210bhp and if memory serves me right, 500Nm of torque.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

There is no real limit on miles, as it really does go on how the car has been driven...there are many thrashed/town cars out there which show much worse wear than the motoway cars that have well over 120K...I have seen cars with as little as 60K showing concern in terms of wear. High milers really should be of concern to autoboxes. Some can get rather clunky on the shifts - especially when cold.

Suspension can get a bit tired too, this usually manifests itself in very slight wheel wobble at 45-50mph or when braking hard at high speed. Vaigue steering and listen for any very slight knocks (more noticable at slow speed on the odd minor pot hole) Not the end of the world though...Nothing some new bushes and shocks don't usually cure.

Diesels have been known to suffer turbo failures (but that is mainly the 2.0 so you fairly safe with the 5 series diesels).

Early E39s obviouly look out for the nikasil engined cars - not a problem on cars with engines that have been replaced (as long as they have been replaced with steel lined engine....not another nikasil - it did happen ). If it is a early nikasil engine, I strongly suggest a compression check to assertain the condition of the cylinder liners. If they are ok, they won't detroriate in this day and age (we have low sulphur fuel now...unlike back in 1996 ) But always keep a check on the oil consumption.

Trim can get a bit worse for wear - cloth is very poverty spec so best to avoid, but wears well. Leather is very hard wearing as long as its treated properly. Dash Instrument warning readouts/miles on early cars can go on the blink. And certain plastic trim panels do break or rattle - cupholders, centre console lid/armrest and seatbase trim. Paintwork is very durable and hard wearing, but most do get abused alot, so keep an eye out for repairs especially as most are silver...pigment shades differing on various panels are a givaway.

The lights on early cars (non-xenon) are very poor...the lenses can fog up....the light units can be carefully stripped down so the lenses can be cleaned, which helps a bit. Hi wattage bulbs (9006 HB4 /9005 HB3) can be purchased via your local Lucas parts stockist (LSUK) which give a little improvement.

Don't discount the 523 manual performance in luie of a 528 auto...the 523 manual actually has the edge in performance. But obviously a little laboured on the motorway, so it depends on how you drive.

My pick of the bunch in this era would be a facelift 530d auto or 530 manual but both are probably out your price range for a good one.

dpb

nikasil...??...

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

type it in google...plenty on there

chrome

thanks Ali!